Amaal Mallik on AI in music: 'I know which singer owns a song'
Synopsis
Amaal Mallik says he has never cast a singer speculatively — an internal instinct he calls 'the AI in my mind' tells him exactly whose voice a song belongs to. His remarks, made during 'Awarapan 2' promotions, offer a rare public counterpoint to the industry's growing reliance on AI scratch vocals, even as he concedes the practice has a practical use in sparing senior artists from rejection.
Key Takeaways
Amaal Mallik says he has always cast singers with certainty, never auditioning multiple names for the same track.
He described his instinct as 'the AI in my mind' that identifies which singer a song belongs to.
Mallik acknowledged that AI scratch voices can serve a purpose by protecting senior singers from the discomfort of being told their voice was not chosen.
He composed 'Yeh Awarapan' for the upcoming film 'Awarapan 2' , starring Emraan Hashmi . 'Awarapan 2' is scheduled to release on 14 August 2026 ; the original 2007 film later attained cult status.
Music composer Amaal Mallik says he has never needed to audition multiple singers for a track — because an internal instinct, which he likens to artificial intelligence, tells him exactly whose voice belongs to a song. The composer made the remarks on 9 August 2026 during promotional activities for the upcoming film 'Awarapan 2' in the BKC area of Mumbai.
Amaal Mallik on His Casting Process
Speaking about his approach to selecting playback singers, Mallik distanced himself from the industry practice of recording scratch vocals and then deciding later. 'When I have worked with singers, I have kept clarity with them. I tell them, ‘Sir, maybe this voice won’t go’. But, I have never done that I cast Sonu Nigam, Arijit Singh, KK, and then said we will choose now. I have been very sure. I think the AI in my mind knows which singer’s song it is,' he said.
The composer added that once a singer is confirmed, his responsibility shifts entirely to extracting the best possible performance. 'I tell the producer that this is my vision. Once he sings, then it is my job to get the best out of that singer,' he said.
Where He Draws the Line on AI Voices
Mallik stopped short of condemning the broader industry use of AI-generated scratch vocals, acknowledging a practical dimension to the practice. He argued that using an AI voice to test a composition can spare senior artists the awkwardness of being told their voice was not selected by the producers. 'I think it is better to use an AI voice than hurt anyone. Whether he is a senior, new, or anyone. Either you have courage, like I say with clarity that you are new and we are trying your voice. And I don’t call any senior to sing until I am sure,' he said.
His remarks come amid a wider conversation in the Hindi film industry about the growing use of AI-generated scratch tracks, which critics argue can blur the line between a temporary stand-in voice and a final product — raising concerns about credit, consent, and compensation for singers.
About 'Awarapan 2' and the Song 'Yeh Awarapan'
Mallik composed 'Yeh Awarapan', a track from 'Awarapan 2', the sequel to the 2007 film 'Awarapan'. The original, starring Emraan Hashmi as Shivam Pandit, was considered a commercial disappointment on release but subsequently built a devoted following, largely on the strength of its music and Hashmi's performance — eventually earning cult status.
'Awarapan 2' sees Hashmi reprise the role of Shivam Pandit and is scheduled for release on 14 August 2026.
What This Signals for the Industry
Mallik's candour on casting methodology is notable at a moment when AI tools are reshaping production pipelines across Bollywood. His position — clarity over convenience — offers a counterpoint to composers who rely on AI scratch voices as a default. Whether his approach influences broader industry norms remains to be seen, particularly as streaming platforms and music labels push for faster turnaround times.
Point of View
Whether they are compensated, and whether their likeness is used without consent. Mallik's clarity-first approach is commendable, but it is also the luxury of a composer with enough leverage to dictate terms to producers. For younger or less established composers, the pressure to use AI scratch vocals and decide later is structural, not personal. The industry conversation needs to move from individual ethics to collective policy.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Amaal Mallik say about AI and singer selection?
Amaal Mallik said he has always known which singer a song belongs to before recording begins, describing this instinct as 'the AI in my mind.' He said he has never cast multiple singers speculatively and then chosen later.
Does Amaal Mallik support the use of AI voices in music production?
Mallik did not fully oppose AI scratch voices, saying they can protect senior singers from the awkwardness of being told their voice was not selected. However, he personally prefers to communicate directly and cast with certainty from the start.
What is 'Awarapan 2' and when does it release?
'Awarapan 2' is the sequel to the 2007 Hindi film 'Awarapan', with Emraan Hashmi reprising his role as Shivam Pandit. It is scheduled for release on 14 August 2026.
Why did the original 'Awarapan' gain cult status?
The 2007 film 'Awarapan' was considered a box-office disappointment on release but later built a loyal following, primarily due to its music and Emraan Hashmi's performance, eventually earning cult status.
What song did Amaal Mallik compose for 'Awarapan 2'?
Amaal Mallik composed 'Yeh Awarapan' for 'Awarapan 2'. He discussed the track and his broader approach to singer casting during the film's promotional events in Mumbai on 9 August 2026.
